From 1998 to 2022, the number of homeowners opting to replace their roofs with metal panels soared from 3% to 18%, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance.
Wow!
As the leading manufacturer of metal roofing materials, we love this trend, of course. But it bears asking the question, what is causing this massive shift?
Weather-Resistance
Impact resistance means weather resistance. And in a world of unpredictable weather, many homeowners want the highest assurance that their roof will survive whatever comes their way.
Resistance to impact is vital as it gauges a material's ability to withstand hail and flying debris. While no product can be truly deemed "hail-proof," those rated as Class 4 represent the highest standard of resistance as determined by UL.
With a Class 4 metal system, your roof stands a better chance of staying intact and leak-free even in the aftermath of severe weather. Opting for Class 4-rated products translates to a decreased risk of damage from hail or debris collisions.
Moreover, the cost of roof replacement isn't the sole concern when a roofing system fails. Leaks caused by hail or debris can lead to internal building damage and conditions such as black mold, adding health concerns and additional cost to the overall expense.
If the minimized risk of water leakage post-storm isn't convincing enough, consider this:
Historical data indicates that Class 4 roofing materials result in reduced long-term roofing expenses and less frequent replacements. This proven track record has led many insurance companies to offer discounted premiums for structures featuring Class 4 roofing materials.
In addition to Impact resistance, metal roofs also stand up to harsh weather like wind and salty air.
When installed per manufacturers instructions, most metal roof systems offer far greater wind uplift resistance than shingles which also helps protect against weather-related damage.
For those in coastal areas, Class 4 roofing materials also provide corrosion resistance and added durability against the harsh and salty sea air, ensuring longevity and reduced maintenance costs over time.
Energy Savings
Metal roofing is highly reflective and can save 20-40% on electricity bills.
Unlike shingles, which tend to absorb the sun's heat and increase the temperature inside the attic and home, metal roofs reflect most of the sun’s rays back into the atmosphere. For a deeper dive into this topic, more detailed information is available here.
Cool metal roofing boasts a strong reflective capacity and significant thermal emittance. In simple terms, reflectivity gauges how much energy bounces off the roof's surface, while thermal emittance evaluates a panel's capability to dissipate absorbed heat.
Together, these features reduce the sun's energy absorption by the roof. Consequently, there's a decrease in heat penetration into both the attic and the broader living space, resulting in a reduced utility burden.
For homeowners mindful of environmental concerns, opting for metal roofing over shingles leads to notable utility bill savings.
Based on data from the United States Energy Administration, the average monthly electric bill for a household stands at $122, totaling $1,464 annually. Your expenses might vary. However, given the superior reflectivity of metal roofs, the Metal Roofing Alliance estimates potential savings for homeowners at up to 40%. As illustrated in this detailed article about metal roofing costs, even at a modest estimate of 20% in energy savings, homeowners stand to save over $6,000 by year 15 and nearly $20,000 by year 30. For many, this represents significant financial relief.
Sustainability + Solar
Metal roofing has a high recycled content, which helps reduce landfill pressure instead of adding to it, like asphalt shingles.
Consequently, metal roofing materials seldom add to landfill waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landfills receive an estimated 11 million tons of asphalt shingles. For individuals aiming to incorporate eco-friendly materials into their homes, metal roofing stands out for its recyclable nature.
When solar panels are mounted on asphalt shingle roofs, they require drilling directly into the roof. Such penetrations can become potential sites for leaks and other issues.
Standing seam metal roofs employ a clamping system that doesn't require any penetration, ensuring the roof's integrity and warranty remain intact.
Additionally, metal roofing panels offer a robust foundation capable of bearing the weight of hefty solar setups, minimizing the risk of roofing complications.
State Farm estimates the lifespan of a traditional asphalt roofing system at 12-20 years, which means that homeowners face the possibility of their roof failing before their solar panel system does. A metal roof will outlive solar panels.
Metal Roofs Offer a Fantastic ROI
“Consumers are simply tired of having to replace their roofs after just a few years or worry about whether they have long-lasting protection against monster storms, wildfires and extreme temperatures,” said Ramey. “We’re finding more homeowners are turning to quality metal roofs, not just for better, long-lasting performance, but also for metal’s more sustainable and low maintenance attributes.” Metal Roofing Alliance
In the past, when it came to roof replacements, a large number of homeowners typically opted for the most budget-friendly and widely used material - asphalt shingles.
Check out this post where we take a deep dive into the costs of metal vs shingles.
Frustrated by the recurring need to replace shingles and the ongoing costs of maintaining them, homeowners are now choosing superior roofing alternatives like metal at an ever-increasing rate.
This makes sense as more and more homeowners are contemplating the benefits of metal roofing for their homes, often their most valuable asset.
Learn everything you need to know about Residential Metal Roofing. Check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to your questions.
About McElroy Metal
Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The employee-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.
Topics: Residential, Cost
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